Scarlet fever warning signs and symptoms parents need to look out for

Parents are being warned to be on the look out for the symptoms of scarlet fever following an increase in outbreaks across the country.

Anyone can be affected but it is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 8, according to the NHS.

The disease reaches its highest levels in winter and peaks in March.

A spokesperson for Public Health England said: “It’s not uncommon to see more cases of scarlet fever during winter and spring.

“Although we have seen a small increase in cases this year, scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that can be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of further complications and to minimise the risk of its spread to others."

Here's everything you need to know including what scarlet fever is and the symptoms to look out for.

What is scarlet fever?

According to the NHS it is a bacterial infection that mainly affects children.

It is caused by bacteria known as group A streptococcus (GAS), this will result in a reddish rash on the skin and the inside of the throat.

What are the symptoms?

Signs include a fever and a sore throat, you might also get a headache and experience nausea and vomiting.

Between 12 to 48 hours after this a widespread, fine pink-red rash - which feels like sandpaper when touched - will first appear on the chest or stomach.

Other symptoms include swollen glands, a loss of appetite and red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit. This may last a couple of days after the rash has gone.

You may also see a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen - this is known as strawberry tongue.

Who can get it?

Anyone can get scarlet fever, but young children are most affected.

“Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that is most common among children under the age of 10,” says Dr Adam Simon, chief medical officer at PushDoctor.co.uk

He notes: “It’s highly contagious and can be passed on by coughing, sneezes, skin to skin contact and handling contaminated objects, like bath towels or bedding.”

In the past, an outbreak of scarlet fever was a very serious concern and children and families affected were often quarantined to prevent others from getting ill.

While things are different now, it’s still important it is properly diagnosed and treated, and that necessary steps are taken to avoid passing it on further.

Dr Simon advises: “In the majority of cases, scarlet fever will clear up of its own accord, but it’s always recommended to see a GP if you think you or your child may have it.”

“The usual course of treatment is antibiotics, which will help you to recover more quickly, lower the amount of time you’re contagious for and reduce the risk of complications occurring.”

It’s usually a 10-day course, and children should start feeling better after 24 hours, with symptoms clearing up completely after a few days (but it’s still vital to complete the full course of treatment).

Doctors generally advise that anybody infected stays home from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting on antibiotics.

How serious is it?

Scarlet fever was a leading cause of infant death in the past.

Better hygiene, and treatments, mean it generally isn’t the terrifying illness it used to be and, in the vast majority of cases, will clear up quite quickly and cause little more than a few days of feeling poorly, especially if treated properly.

Of course, complications – ranging from mild to serious – can still potentially occur.

“Complications are rare and especially easy to avoid if symptoms are spotted and treatment begun early. However, in some scarce cases, potential complications can occur, ranging from relatively simple issues like an ear infection, to blood poisoning and liver damage in more serious cases,” said Dr Simon.

If you are concerned about your child’s health, or if symptoms suddenly worsen or change, always get them checked by a doctor.